Genetic link to autism likely to help patients

The Ottawa CitizenMay 9, 2009

United States. Genetic link to autism likely to help patients

Researchers have found the first common genetic link to autism and say it could potentially account for 15 percent of the condition's cases. "These findings establish that genetic factors play a strong role in autism spectrum disorder," National Institutes of Health acting director Dr. Raynard Kington said. "Detailed analysis of the genes and how they affect brain development is likely to yield better strategies for diagnosing and treating children with autism."

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